On the evening of October 21, the 2019 Reception in Honor of Foreign Diplomatic Missions to China took place in the administrative complex of Beijing's sub-center, gathering foreign envoys and representatives of international organizations from 120 countries as well as their spouses. Present at the reception were Cai Qi, Secretary of the CPC Beijing Municipal Committee; Chen Jining, Deputy Secretary of the CPC Beijing Municipal Committee and Mayor; and Li Wei, Chairman of the Standing Committee of Beijing Municipal People's Congress.

This is the first Reception in Honor of Foreign Diplomatic Missions to China held since the municipal administrative organs moved to the sub-center. When addressing the reception, Chen Jining expressed his gratitude to the foreign embassies and international organizations in China for their support for Beijing's construction and development. According to Chen, Beijing, as the capital of China, has kept up with the times and pressed ahead together with the nation over the past 70 years; guided by Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, Beijing, sticking to its strategic position as the capital city, has resolutely strived for high-quality development and pursued progress and higher quality while ensuring stability.

Beijing has vigorously promoted the new round of high-standard opening-up and taken new steps towards the goal of building itself into an international metropolis. Aiming at the highest standards, Beijing has been building its international influence with ceaseless efforts while serving China's international exchanges. The city has endeavored to improve its innovation ecosystem and built its strength in technological innovation. It has also stepped up the reform for a better business environment and unswervingly advanced the special operation of upgrading the city through function transfer and remediation, so as to improve the overall environment of the city. Beijing warmly welcomes friends from all countries to come and make investment and do business, enjoying new development opportunities here. It is our sincere hope that you will continue to support Beijing's development. Let's join hands to create a beautiful future for the city.

H.E. Mr. Abdullah Saleh Al Saadi, Omani Ambassador to China, gave a speech on behalf of foreign envoys in China. He congratulated Beijing on its achievements in eco-environment protection and improvement, scientific and technological innovation, opening up and development, and public services. He also spoke highly of the planning and construction of Beijing's sub-center and the preparations for the 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. He wished Beijing new and greater development in the future.

Before the reception, foreign envoys and representatives of international organizations visited the Millennial Forest and the exhibition on the planning and construction of Beijing's administrative center. During the reception, they also enjoyed a memorable art performance together.

Also attending the event were Qian Hongshan, Vice Minister of the International Department of the Central Committee of CPC; Liu Xianfa, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs; Beijing's city leaders Lin Keqing, Du Feijin, Cui Shuqiang, Zhang Jiandong, Sui Zhenjiang and Li Wei; Li Xikui, Member of the Party Leadership Group and Secretary-General of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, and Liu Yunguang, Secretary-General of the Standing Committee of Beijing Municipal People's Congress.

UAVs lit up the night sky at Beijing's sub-center

Source: text by Beijing Daily, video by ZEROTECH